With the advent
of newer and more capable computer technologies during the early
1970’s, steps for signing up for classes at UCLA became
much more efficient. Even though the system seemed dated based
on technological standards today, it was definitely more efficient
than the old card system of “mailing in” for classes.
The newer system was known as “HAL” to students. Although
it had its downsides of at times overloading, the system was fixed
and became much more stable in February of 1972.
One of the useful
applications of the HAL system for registration was its utilization
of statistics software. This function of the HAL system allowed
students to have a general feel for the amount of workload expected
for particular classes also for planning future courses. Although
at times students would endure some of HAL’s shortcomings,
this system was a major step for the university in its path towards
technological and global expansion. Today, as many of its students
realize, UCLA is one of the premier universities that pioneered
such expansion. In the 1970’s, little did this student know
how their own university was embarking on such a fascinating path.
Sources of Analysis:
January, Febraury, March, April, May, June,
and August editions of the Daily
Bruin
http://www.altavista.com/images
Information provided by John Sandbrook
